Viewing page 61 of 105

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

The chief has recently refused to meet me with his head men in Council at Fort Myers. He sent me word "they believed me to be their friend and that I was sincere in urging them to go West, but, as they had made up their minds not to go, a meeting could lead to no good result, and would only give them the pain of again rejecting my advice"

They have refused to surrender the two runaways, who are with them, on the plea that as we allow no trade or favors they owe us no obligations. The few who have gone West this Spring with the Delegation are [[underlined]] Creeks [[/underlined]] (originally from Georgia) except one Seminole woman who goes West to join her brother who emigrated in 1850

These facts and the evident loss of confidence, and increased hostility of feeling since these Indians were transferred from the War Dept. in 1851 leave no room to doubt that more severe measures than a mere stoppage of trade are necessary.

I will now submit for your consideration the "more stringent measures" alluded to.

In doing so I shall seperate measures which are of an entirely peaceable nature, measures which are of more force but involve some risk of hostilities, and, finally, direct force.

Of [[underlined]] the first class 
[[/underlined]], I respectfully recommend: That the country West of Kissimmee to should be surveyed as far as Kaloosa Hatchee at the earliest date - and all of the Atlantic coast east of the everglades & Kissimmee. - That a Company of troops be stationed near Key Biscayne Bay to keep the Indians from the [[underlined]] Koontee-grounds [[/underlined]], which are without their limits, but to which they annually resort, for their supply of arrow-root. Such a force is also required there to prevent contraband trade. - That a military road be opened from Fort Myers to Okee Chobee or the Southern part of Kissimmee, and that boats be kept on those waters. Lastly that during the winter months parties of Troops should occasionally traverse the Country along such road, and detach small parties in the boats on Okee-Chobee to visit its shores and landings.
The [[underlined]] second class of measures [[/underlined]], would be taken by adding to the above a survey of the Country south of Caloosa Hatchee and West of the Everglades, and by cutting avenues into the Big Cypress wherever it may be practicable. This exposure of their [[?]] would do much to uproot their confidence, and if peaceably effected would soon lead to their emigration, but it is very doubtful whether it could be done without provoking hostilities.

It would be the best preparation for hostilities, if this should be decided on, and would require but little addition to the present force before such decision. 

I hope I do not exceed my duty in saying that I would advise the [[underlined]] first class of measures [[/underlined]] with the steady advance of the frontier, [[double underlined]] or [[/double underlined]] a decided resort to
[[end page]]

[[start page]]
force with ample means and preparation which is the [[underlined]] last measure [[/underlined]] for removing these people.

The [[underlined]] second class of measures [[/underlined]] may be carried out with little or no risk after the supply of ammunition among the Indians shall be nearly exhausted.

They have probably 18 months supply on hand yet- certainly not much more. Hence I do not advise the [[underlined]] second class of measures [[/underlined]] for the coming fall & winter
With great respect

Your obdt. servt.
(Signed) John C. Casey
Capt. in charge Ind. Affs. in Fla.

Hon. Jeffn. Davis}
Secty. of War}

P.S. This communication has been presented to Col. Munroe who concurs in my views. 

Tampa Bay Fla.
May 3, 1854

His Excellency

Jas. E. Broome
Gov. of Fla.

Sir- In obedience to my orders from the War Dept. to keep you advised of the progress of Indian affairs in S. Florida, it is proper that I should now report to you the operations of the past winter, and the present state of the question - 

By the aid of a Delegation of Western Indians the liberal terms offered by the government have been made known to all the Seminoles & great pains have been taken to explain to them the hopelessness of their condition. The very few (8 of all ages and both sexes) who came in to accompany the delegation West are all, except one woman, Creek Indians who came from Georgia in 1836.

The Seminoles proper seem more than ever united in opposition to emigration, and while their ammunition lasts will perhaps persevere in their resolution, and certainly so unless more stringent measures are taken to annoy them.

I regret to have to inform you that their confidence in us is much impaired and their feelings have been much embittered since they were taken from the charge of the War Department - in May 1851

The same chiefs, who, in May 1851, asked me to muster their warriors, and who sent in to me, three of their own people for execution, without a threat or display of force, have lately refused to venture in to meet me at Fort Myers, and have positively refused to bring in two runaways who are with them.
 
I today report fully on the subject to the Hon. Secty. of War, and, among.

[[end page]]